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Overview
Diagnostic x-rays or plain films are small amounts of radiation use to take pictures of the structures in your body.
Preparation for the exam:
There is no special preparation for this exam.
Appointment time:
There are no scheduled appointment times for diagnostic "plain film" radiology. Patients are taken in on a first come first served basis. There are appointments for other types of studies that are done in our department, so it is possible that your name may not be called in the order in which you arrive in our department. These patients are taken in at their scheduled appointment times. You need to have a prescription from your doctor in order for us to take your x-rays. The prescription is required to have your doctor's signature on it, a date, your name, and what your doctor wants us to x-ray. If your insurance requires it, you may need a referral from your primary care physician. This referral is DIFFERENT from a prescription. You will also be required to register and visit our billing office before your films are taken.
Your Diagnostic X-rays:
You will be escorted into the exam room by a radiologic technologist. Most exams require that you change into a hospital gown. There are many types of diagnostic exams that we perform. Some require that you stand; others require that you lie on the x-ray table. Almost all studies require more than one x-ray be taken for a complete view of the anatomy that your doctor wants us to image. X-rays do not hurt, nor can you feel them. There are very minimal risks to having diagnostic x-rays done with todayês high-tech imaging capabilities.
The conclusion of your exam:
When your images have been taken, the radiologic technologist will process your images and review them for quality and proper positioning. Please keep in mind that the diagnosis of your x-rays is outside the scope of our practice, and a radiologist is required to review your films and give an interpretation. Once determined that we have an accurate, high-quality study, you are free to go. Diagnostic x-ray exams range in duration from 5 minutes to 20 minutes.
Results:
The results of your exam will be sent to your doctor typically in 24 to 48 hours.
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